by Mona Stephens, Director of Programs and Marketing, Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation
In Yavapai County, there are nearly 400 kids in foster care. These children experience trauma and are fighting against a plethora of horrific odds. These odds say they have a 3 percent chance of attending college and 20 percent will end up homeless aging out of foster care. These children can, however, overcome and excel with the right supports. Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation provides that assistance with the help of CASAs, foster families, and partners in the Yavapai County community.
Imagine being ripped away from your parents at the age of 8 by strangers. You leave your home with all your belonging in a trash bag, never to return. This then repeats 13 more times over the next 6 years as you bounce from foster placement to foster placement. Every move robs you of your joy, self-esteem, sense of security, and self-worth until you forget what they are. Now, realize, this is the reality many of the 14,000 foster kids in Arizona face every day.
The Real Heroes
In the last few years, support for the Foundation has improved and is leading to the creation of a new program for those aging out of foster care, as well as the creation of five new family visitation Rooms. Yavapai CASA for Kids knows the real heroes are those in this community who give so much to change a child’s life.
Time to Celebrate
It’s time to celebrate our recent accomplishments impacting foster children, the donors who make this all possible, and this year’s achievements. Yavapai CASA for Kids is holding its 5th Annual Fundraising Event for Foster Children on May 31st. This year’s theme is Hometown with Heart Boots and Bling BBQ.
The event is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Windmill House in Chino Valley. This venue has a breath-taking view and offers an indoor-outdoor experience. There will be a silent auction, a wine pull, live music by 5 in the Wheel, photo booths, a cornhole tournament, a buffet-style BBQ, and guest speakers Anna Young and Dimon Sander (Miss Yavapai County).
Tickets are $75 per person or $525 for a table of 8. To find out more information or purchase tickets visit yavapaicasaforkids.org/annual-gala/ or call 928 445 0800.
To purchase tickets visit:
yavapaicasaforkids.org/annual-gala/
or call 928 445 0800.
